"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2
For me, anything worth doing is worth doing right, so critical thinking about all the possible threats, weaknesses and outcomes is just part of the process. Others might see it as criticism. Some might even consider the drive for excellence simply as arrogance. This is why we must make every effort to bear each other in love.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:" Ecclesiastes 3:1
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20
Last night was truly encouraging with our first Thursday evening worship service. I know for myself, Sunday mornings hasn't been much of an option with work, family, travel, etc., so it was nice to meet up with fellow Christians, put all worldly matters aside and simply worship the Lord together.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32
I heard an interesting reference today when a coworker described the difficult people she had to deal with as EGRs. Instantly I started trying to decipher its meaning and even came up with a few good ones. Starting with 'E', I went down the line…egregious, enormous, extreme…you get the picture. Until finally I asked, "What’s an EGR?"
"At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?'
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: 'I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 18:1-4
Sometimes the best way for adults to get a fresh perspective on God, life and all the other little things going on is to see them through the eyes of a child. My son writes a journal regularly as part of his schoolwork and recently he wrote one about "What is the most important thing in your life?" and shared it with his teacher and classmates. I thought is was outstanding, so he gave me permission to share it as well. I hope you enjoy it.
Our Friday Devotion comes to us from Council Member, Alan Severin:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right." 1 Peter 2:13-14
Let me give you a very short version of a much longer story about myself and the terrible boss I suffered under for over 6 years.
On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Romans 12:20
"The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." Ecclesiastes 7:8
You may have learned this same wisdom through idioms like "Anything worth doing is worth doing well", or maybe even reading workplace signage like "Safety is no accident!" In this day and age; however, it seem everyone hurries about trying to get too many things done in too little time, measuring their accomplishments by the number of items checked on their To Do list. Corners get cut. Steps get skipped. Things get done, but are often a far cry from being done well...much less correctly.
"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." 1 John 5:4
I like the word VICTORY and the strong feelings of elation that accompany it. Originally applied to warfare, Webster defines Victory as 'the overcoming of an enemy or antagonist'. That definition seems to fit when we think about the real spiritual warfare and enemy we face everyday.
Matthew 2:11 "On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh."
January 6th is celebrated in many places as "Three Kings Day" when the Magi, almost certainly not kings, visited the one "born king of the Jews" in Bethlehem. Contrary to popular belief, the Magi were not present at the Nativity and may have arrived up to 2 years after the birth of Jesus. This waiting period is often observed as the 12 days following Christmas.
I'm sure most of you have heard the traditional carol about The 12 Days of Christmas...I must admit I can only make it to 5 Golden Rings before needing a song sheet. Then again most people don't make it 5 days before Christmas is over for them. So when does Christmas end for you? Is it after opening presents? How about after coming home from friends and family? Most the decorations in my neighborhood were gone the day after New Years.
I think we should hold on a little longer, marveling at the miracle of His birth, and not allow ourselves to be pushed into the next holiday so soon just because the Valentine displays are up. Then next year maybe we won't be so eager to declare the end of the season. We might even enjoy staying in spirit enough to have Christmas in July! What if we could maintain our joy of meeting Jesus for an entire year or more like the Magi? Doesn't that seem something worth striving for...I believe so.
Hmmmm...The 12 Months of Christmas...has a nice ring to it!
Staying in Spirit,
Alan
When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly." Jesus said to him, "Shall I come and heal him?" The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." Matthew 8:5-10
Today is a special day. Ask any Marine and he will tell you 10 November 1775 was when their beloved Corps was born in a simple place called Tun Tavern. On this day Marines all around the world celebrate from fancy ballrooms to fighting positions far from home. Alright, that’s enough history circle-up because I have something important to say about service in the Corps and Christian Living.
While I would certainly argue that the Marine Corps has earned a distinction as the most loyal, most revered, and most respected fighting force the world has ever known; it is not because of their rigorous training (copied in vain), nor their arsenal of (sometimes inferior) weapons. It is certainly not because every meal's a banquet, every paycheck a fortune or every formation a parade. It is due to character.
The foundation of character both individually and corporately is defined by three Core Values. And they don’t include beans, bullets, bandages or bad guys!
Honor
Always held to the highest standards, ethically and morally. Respect for others is essential. Accountable for ones own actions and holding others accountable for theirs.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Rom. 12:10
Show proper respect to everyone; Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Pet. 2:17
Courage
Not the absence of fear, but the ability to face fear and overcome it. It is the mental, moral and physical strength ingrained in every Marine. Willingness to take a stand for what is right in spite of adverse consequences. It steadies them in times of stress, carries them through every challenge and aids them in facing new and unknown confrontations.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Ps 23:4
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Cor. 16:13
Commitment
The spirit of selfless determination and relentless dedication to excellence. It is what compels Marines to serve, like the centurion...always faithful.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Rom. 12:1
He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. Pr. 13:13
So how do you measure up to those values? I know I’ve stumbled along the way. The good news is that there is a transformation between just doing and doing faithfully that cannot be undone and will move you into a closer walk with Jesus. In closing, I will leave you with the Marine’s Prayer.
Semper Fi
Cpl. Alan Severin, Veteran USMC
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Make me considerate of those committed to my leadership. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold.
If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again.
Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.
AMEN
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." - Romans 15:7
Romans 14-15 talk about how many early Christians had a weak understanding of the new covenant, continuing to observe old dietary restrictions and ceremonies on special days, and condemned those that didn't do the same. Others with a stronger understanding of Scripture saw no spiritual significance in those practices and looked down upon those that continued.
Paul explains to us that fellowship among Christians is not to be based on everyone's agreement on disputable matters. Christians do not agree on all things pertaining to Christian life, nor do they need to. Anything not clearly sinful according to Scripture should be guided by our conscience and personal conviction to do all in thanks and service to the Lord.
This requires us to be mindful of how we treat our fellow Christians when they do or say things we disagree with because we all share a common Christian heritage. I always try to smile politely and say a quiet prayer on the persons behalf.
"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." - Romans 14:19
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and one mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Romans 15:5-6
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
-- Alan
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